Application period closed

The Master's Programme in Real Estate Economics offers a thorough understanding of the dynamics of real estate markets. You will attain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena related to real estate markets and learn the techniques used to analyse and manage real estate.

The programme combines the scientific disciplines of economics, management, land management and planning to provide you with the key skills needed in a wide range of career paths in the real estate sector.

Many courses combine theoretical knowledge with real-life projects and business cases, giving you hands-on experience and an understanding of the complexity of the subject. As most jobs in real estate are about people and interaction, the programme also emphasises teamwork.

Study programme

Courses within the programme cover the skills and knowledge required to manage real estate throughout its life cycle. You will be introduced to the principles of real estate economics, its legal basis and the dynamics of the real estate market, as well as valuation methods and investment analysis. You will also increase your knowledge of real estate law, environmental legislation, the land use planning system as well as their roles in real estate markets.

Structure of studies

The Master's Programme consists of 120 credits (ECTS), including following parts:

Major (60 credits), including 36 credits common courses and 24 credits advanced courses

Elective studies (30 credits): you can choose practically any combination of courses that supports your studies and suites your interests

Master's Thesis (30 credits); a piece of applied research conducted independently by the student

The structure of the programme is designed so that you are able to complete your common and advanced studies during the first year. This leaves your second year for elective courses and the master's thesis. It also makes it easy for you to go for student exchange during the second year. Alternatively, you can further build your expertise by taking more of our advanced courses as elective courses.

Career opportunities

The range of potential careers in the field of real estate is broad, making it possible for graduates to follow their personal interests and ambitions. Specialists are needed in all phases of the lifecycle of real estate and urban areas. Our graduates find employment in both the private and public sector, in Finland and abroad. The programme offers a good starting point for a career in the real estate sector, beginning with working as an analyst, valuer, surveyor, researcher, expert etc. Careers typically lead to management positions in the field, depending on the career path chosen.

Admission requirements

Aalto University's student selection process is competitive and paper-based. Applications that pass the eligibility check (administrative evaluation) conducted by Aalto University Admissions Services proceed to the school's programme-specific academic evaluation. The programme is planned for full-time studies and preference is given to applicants who are committed to this. The following are used as criteria for academic evaluation:

university/higher education institution; recognized for high quality of education and research

degree and relevance of studies; suit very well or excellent to the study option

academic performance; need to be mainly very good or excellent

motivation and commitment to the programme; should be clearly in connection with the study option

Please note, a motivation letter is a mandatory requirement for this programme!

We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds to apply to the programme. To ensure that the students have sufficient skills and knowledge for the Master's studies, priority in student selection is given to students whose earlier studies (either bachelor's degree or other studies):

a) are in real estate, land management or other closely related field or

b) include at least the basics of economics, law, statistics/econometrics and finance.

If completed courses or studies on these topics that are not included in the degree that is used as grounds for the application, the certificates should be attached on these studies in the application.

Master’s Admissions at the School of Engineering 2020

The motivation letter is an important part of your application. It gives you an opportunity to
present relevant pieces of information that cannot be provided elsewhere in the application.

Examples of questions to consider when writing the motivation letter:

- Why are you applying for the master’s programme in question?

- What do you expect to gain from studies in the master’s programme?

- Why do you think you are the right person for this master’s programme?

- How will your previous education, work experience, knowledge and skills
support your success in your master’s degree studies?

- Describe your professional goals. How do you think the master’s
programme you are applying for would support the development of your
professional profile?

- In which sector would you like to work in the future? What kind of
career are you planning?